Rock in Rio USA: Rock Weekend Day 2 Recap

Rock in Rio USA: Rock Weekend Day 2 Recap

Metallica, Linkin Park, and More Close Out a Spectacular Weekend in Vegas

After an impressive first day for Rock in Rio in the United States, we knew that we had to kick up even further to close out the weekend like our fans expect… so we did. Day 2 of Rock Weekend delivered on all fronts, as one of the most high-velocity lineups we’ve had in 30 years performed at the top of their game.

The day kicked off with Of Mice & Men, who immediately got the arriving crowd ready to rock with a massive circle pit near the Evolution Stage. Fans entered the City of Rock by the thousands and were drawn straight to their energy. Moshing was a must, as dozens of fans came together… and apart… and together again.

Coheed and Cambria followed them with a hits-heavy set that gave fans of their early albums plenty to sing along to. “In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3” was a particular high point, with lead singer Claudio Sanchez ripping back his mane of hair to scream at the top of his lungs. And when they hit the first notes of their classic symphonic metal song “Welcome Home”, every person in the crowd leaned forward just a little bit more.

The rest of the day had incredible sets from Hollywood Undead, Rise Against, and Deftones, along with a completely unique collaboration between the Brazilian metal band Sepultura and the legendary guitarist Steve Vai. Fans were blown away by Derrick Green’s roaring vocals and Andreas Kisser’s machine-gun-like guitar mayhem. Add Steve Vai’s virtuosic playing to the mix and the people who were there got a true once-in-a-lifetime experience.

No one was sure quite what to expect from Linkin Park’s first show in nearly four months. The famously relentless band had to cancel their Hunting Party tour after singer Chester Bennington broke his ankle, but you wouldn’t know it by seeing them on the Main Stage. They were running on all cylinders, with an instantly iconic set that included the live debut of fan favorite “A Line In The Sand”, appearances in multiple songs from their fellow Rock Weekend band Of Mice & Men, and Mike Shinoda coming into the crowd during “In The End” to cap off a triumphant comeback show.

But the biggest surprise was still to come. Metallica has performed on the Rock in Rio Main Stage six times, everywhere from Brazil to Lisbon to Madrid… so their landmark headlining show in Vegas had to be something truly special.

It was. The band delivered one of the highest-energy performances Rock in Rio has ever seen, bringing 150 of their biggest fans on stage to share the glory with them. The night included deeper tracks like “Disposable” and “Cyanide”, along with massive anthems like “One”, “Enter Sandman”, and “For Whom The Bell Tolls” rattling windows miles away. And just when fans thought it was over and the house lights were turned on, Metallica came back out with a blistering version of “Seek and Destroy” to close out Rock Weekend on the highest possible note.

Rock Weekend left an indelible mark on everyone who attended, but our first festival in the United States is only half over. Next week promises star power and incredible moments alike, as another group of world-class artists join us for Pop Weekend. Taylor Swift brings her 1989 Tour into the City of Rock, Bruno Mars will show his hooligans what “Uptown Funk” feels like in Vegas, and much, much more.

It’s all happening on May 15th and 16th. Buy tickets to the Pop Weekend of Rock in Rio USA here.